Classifier and controller for weight-checking devices



p 7, 1954 w. J. SCHIESER ETAL 2,638,458 'CLASSIFIER AND CONTROLLER FORWEIGHT-CHECKING DEVICES Filed March 2'7, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet lCLASSIFYING b4 U/ CONTROLLNG CIRCUIT msbENsEI OSCIL tiXTOR DSC RNINATORCIRCUIT INVENTORS W/Mfii/V Iii/Ilia: 8y PAW/HID M W/// 7' 5" W A4 MATTYS p 1954 w. ,1. SCHIESER ETAL 2,633,458

CLASSIFIER AND CONTROLLER FOR WEIGHT-CHECKING DEVICES Filed March 271951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS wmes/vJjmm z V 727 W ,e/c/mzafl W40! W,

' AT T Y S Patented Sept 7, 1954 CLASSIFIER AND C WEIGHT-CHEC ONTROLLERFOR KING DEVICES Warren J. Schieser and Richard M. White,

lumbus, Ohio, assignors to The Exact Weight Scale Company, Columbus,Ohio, a

of Ohio corporation Application March 27, 1951, Serial No. 217,796

30 Claims. 1

Our invention relates to a classifier and con troller. It has to do,more particularly, with a system which checks and classifies a series ofsuccessive articles in regard to a characteristic thereof which mayvary, and performs a control function if such characteristic varies in apreselected order in successive articles. This control function may beused in obtaining the desired characteristic in following articles ofthe series being checked.

The application of statistical method to control of a variablecharacteristic in a plurality of products, while having distinctadvantages, is difiicult to achieve on many high-speed production lines.The reason for such difliculty in application is due to the inability ofdevices of the prior art to translate desired knowledge at a speedcommensurate with the rate of production of the particular product underconsideration.

For purposes of simplification, and ease of presentation, theapplication of our invention will be described only in connection with aspecific variable, that is, Weight. However, it is to be understood thatother variables such as linear measurements, electromotive forces,color, et cetera, may be effectively dealt with by means of ourinvention.

In the packaged food industry where single factories produce as much asone million or more packaged items daily, the net weight of each of suchpackages must be closely controlled within certain positive and negativelimits, or tolerances, as measured from a selected weight because ofweight ordinances and economic reasons.

Obviously, it is economically impractical to have a package contain theexact desired weight of product therein. The actual weight of theproduct contained in a package is usually made slightly more than theexact net weight indicated thereon. Additional quantity of product in apackage above the indicated value on the package of the net weightrepresents a quantity of product which the manufacturer is literallygiving away to the consumer. While this quantity in each individualpackage is sometimes slight, in comparison to the total weight of thatpackage, when it is remembered that sometimes more than one millionpackages containing such an excess of product are produced daily, thereis represented a total quantity of product corresponding to aconsiderable amount of money.

It is the practice, in such packaging operations, to measure thequantity of product placed in a package by means of a dispenser whichdispenses a certain amount of the product either by volume or by weight.A knowledge of the density of the product, the particular head ofproduct in the dispensing apparatus, and other factors, enablesapproximately the desired weight of product to be obtained in eachpackage. Unfortunately, various external and unknown factors influencethe amount of product dispensed, so that the particular dispenser has tobe frequently adjusted in order to obtain a product having a net weightwithin certain desired positive and negative values above and below aselected desired weight.

Depending, of course, upon the material being handled and various otherfactors, the particular product being dispensed may be dispensed from asingle dispenser at a rate approaching as high as packages per minute.Obviously, the cost involved in manually check-weighing the weights ofsuch packages would be prohibitive.

There exists, and is on the market at the present time, a weightchecking machine called the Selectrol. This device is disclosed indetail in the U. S. patent of Flanagan et al., No. 2,323,023, of June29, 1943. As shown in such patent, the Selectrol actually comprises acontinuous conveyor type of weighing device which weighs a package as itmoves along a conveyor. It has, associated with it, controls which shuntpackages which are overweight, beyond a certain desired limit, andunderweight, beyond a certain desired limit, onto separate slides orconveyors to be carried to points where such overweight and underweightconditions in those packages may be corrected or the packages may bediscarded. Packages which are within the prescribed weight tolerancesare permitted to be carried on the necessary conveying system to furtheroperations such as Wrapping or boxing. The Selectrol indicates whether aparticular package is of a selected desired weight or the quantity thatsuch package is overweight or underweight as compared with such desiredweight. 1 It should be apparent to those skilled in the art ofstatistical methods of quality control that information obtained from achecking machine such as the Selectrol could be utilized to constantlyrecalibrate or adjust the dispenser which is continuously fillingpackages with commodities or products which are check-weighed on such aSelectrol.

There does not exist in the prior art a device which could be used toeifect such a desired result.

The main object of our invention is to provide a classifying andcontrolling system which is particularly useful with a measuring orchecking machine to classify a series of successive articles in regardto a characteristic thereof which may vary and to perform a controlfunction if such characteristic varies in consecutive articles in apreselected order.

Another object of our invention is to provide a system of the typeindicated above which may use the control function in obtaining thedesired characteristic in following articles of the series beingchecked.

Another object of our invention is to provide a device which can be usedin conjunction with a weight-checking machine to classify successivepackages according to any overweight or underweight variation thereinand if there is a weight variation in a predetermined number ofconsecutive packages, to recalibrate or adjust the dispenser which isfilling the following packages in order to obtain exact weight in thefilled packages.

There is obtainable from the Selectrol a value of voltage which isproportionate to the weight of the quantity of product above or below aselected desired weight for each article or package which passes throughthe checking machine. In this machine, a negative voltage is developedif the total weight of the package is above the desired weight, and apositive voltage is developed if the total weight of the package isbelow the desired weight. As each package leaves the weighing portion ofthe conveyor, it creates an actuating impulse by interrupting a lightbeam in a photoelectric cell circuit. These two factors, the differencein weight of a particular packaged product from a desired weight, asrepresented by a particular voltage value, which may be either positiveor negative, and an impulse from the interruption of a photoelectriccell circuit, are utilized as control factors by the system constitutingour invention.

Our invention is embodied in a device which will be describedhereinafter and this device is particularly useful with theweight-checking machine described above but its use is not limitedthereto. This device may be used with various other measuring orchecking machines or devices which will supply a positive or negativevoltage value or a proportional voltage value corresponding to eitherthe difference in the desired variable from a selected value or thetotal value of such a variable. Moreover, while it is indicated abovethat a photoelectric cell circuit is utilized to supply a controlimpulse to the device in which our invention is embodied, it should beapparent readily that mechanical devices or other devices may be used tosupply such an impulse.

In the attached drawings, we have illustrated one form of device whichwe may use in obtaining the above-indicated objects.

In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a schematic view showing our device associated with aweight-checking machine.

Figure 2 is a diagram of the complete electric circuit of our device.

With reference to the drawings, in, Figure 1 we have illustrated basicelementsv of a weightchecking machine of the Selectrol type. Itcomprises a weighing beamBof the over-andunder weight type which has acounterweight or weight platform W at one end and the commodity portionP at the other, end that is part of a conveyor line. The packages A tobe checkweighed are supplied by a conveyor'section S of the conveyorline which carries the filled packages away from a dispenser D. Thefiller spout F of dispenser D can be controlled in a suitable manner tovary the volume of material supplied to each package. Another conveyorsection R of the continuous line removes the checkweighed packages Afrom the conveyor section P. Associated with the counterweight end ofthe beam B is a condenser C which forms a part of an oscillator anddiscriminator circuit 0 of the type disclosed in Patent No. 2,323,023.Movement of the plates of condenser C, caused by movement of beam B,results in a variation in the oscillating frequency of circuit 0 andresults in an output voltage. An amplifying circuit may be providedbetween circuit 0 and our device U, if desired. The packages A movecontinuously and successively across the conveyor section P and the beamB will move to a position of equilibrium corresponding to the weight ofthat package. The conveyor section P may have an electric eye orphotoelectric relay system E. associated therewith so that as eacharticle A passes from the conveyor section P, the light beam thereof isbroken.

The circuit of our classifying and controlling device U is showndiagrammatically in Figure 2.

The input for this circuit is through the line H which runs from theoscillator and discriminator circuit 0 of the checkweighing machine.Such machine may be of the type disclosed in Patent No. 2,323,023 or theline H may connect to any other frequency discriminator circuitdeveloping an output voltage. This input line will supply proportionalvoltage, depending upon the amount of and the direction of deflection ofbeam B. For purposes of discussion, the voltages developed bydisplacement of the weight lever B will be considered positive if thebeam is in underweight position, and negative if in overweight position.

The first unit of our circuit is an underweight and overweightclassification and tolerance con.- trol unit l2. This unit will beactuated by the discriminator voltage and will provide both anoverweight tolerance and an underweight tolerance adjustment. It can beset so that the input voltage through line II must have a predeterminedvalue before it will affect our device. The error in weight of a packagemust exceed a predetermined amount in order to actuate correctioncontrol mechanism of our device which will be described in detail later.If the input voltage is of suflicient value, either underweight oroverweight, it will be classified by this unit and used to actuate suchcorrection control mechanism.

The unit 12 comprises the underweight classifying tube 53 and theoverweight classifying tube. Hi. Thesetubes are shown, for example only,as triodes with indirectly heated cathodes. The input line I i isconnected directly to the grid of the tube i l and has a resistance 15therein. The line H is connected by branch 16 to the grid of tube l3 andhas a resistance I] therein. The plate of tube 13 is connected: by alead I8 to a line l9 which supplies positive regulated voltage from asuitable source, the lead l8 having a relay sole-. noid 26 interposedtherein. Similarly, the plate of tube M is, connected by a lead 2! tothe line H] and has a solenoid 22 therein. A potentiom-. eter,comprising resistance 25 and adjustable contact 25 with its associatedresistance network provides voltage adjustment means for varying thebias on tube l3, the power being supplied from.

a suitable source through line 23. Similarly, a potentiometer comprisingresistance 29 and adjustable contact 30 with its associated resistancenetwork provides voltage adjustment means for varying the bias on tube I4, the power being supplied from a suitable source through line 28 whichincludes other resistances as shown. The contact 30 is connected to line3| and this line is provided with resistance 32 in series with thecontact and is also provided with resistances 33 and 34, the line 3|connecting to the line I9.

The potentiometer which includes adjustable contact 26 serves as avariable underweight tolerance control. The potentiometer which includesadjustable contact 30 serves as a variable overweight tolerance control.Thus, the tubes I3 and I4 will serve to classify the input voltage asbeing produced by underweight or overweight packages and if the currentis of suflicient value, will pass the classified current on to controlthe proper circuits of our device.

As previously indicated, in addition to the control factor created by anoverweight or underweight package, an impulse produced each time apackage leaves the check-weighing scale is used as a control factor forour device. This impulse is created and supplied to our device by meansof the photoelectric circuit 40, shown in Figure 2, which is part of theelectric eye system previously referred to and associated with conveyorsection P. It will permit sampling of the discriminator voltage fromcircuit 0 at the proper instant.

The circuit 40 comprises the photoelectric tube 4| which is actuated bya light beam from a suitable source as indicated in Figure 1. The lightbeam, as shown in Figure 1, is so located relative to the conveyor linethat the package A, which has been check-weighed, will have progressedcompletely across the weight-checking conveyor section P and willinterrupt the light beam as it moves onto receiving section R. Thispermits the beam or lever B to reach a position, determined by theweight of package A being checkweighed, before the light beam isinterrupted by such package. The circuit 40 also includes the amplifyingtube 42 and an associated capacitorresistor network. The anode of tube4| is connected to lead 44 which leads to a set of resistances 45, acondenser 46 being interposed in lead 44, the lead being connected tothe grid of tube 42. The set of resistances 45 is also connected acrosslines 44 and 41 by a branch 48 which connects to lead 44. The line 41supplies bias voltage from a suitable source to the cathode of tube 42and this voltage can be adjusted by means of a potentiometer includingone of the resistances of the set 45 and an adjustable contact 49. Theplate of tube 42 is connected to line 52 which is the output line forthe photoelectric tube circuit 40. The source of light for the tube 4|is shown in Figure 2 as being a lamp 53 connected in a line 54 which isconnected to a power supply line 56 which supplies current from asuitable source.

A relay-actuated keying switch 60 is controlled by the photocellamplifier tube 42. This switch includes the solenoid 6|, connected tolines I9 and 52, which actuates a switch arm 62 that normally engages afixed contact point 64. A resistance 65 is connected to point 64.Another fixed contact point 06 is associated with arm 62 and isconnected to a line 61 which connects with a power line 68 that leadsfrom a suitable power source. The solenoid 6| is energized to move arm62 into contact with point 66 and keep it there during the interval inwhich the light beam for photocell 4| is blanked.

Actuation of switch 60, as indicated above, will actuate a relaycontrolled locking switch 10. This switch 10 includes the solenoid 69which has its coil connected in series in line 61 and which actuates theganged contact arms H, 12 and 13 which are connected together bygrounded line 15. The arms 1|, 12 and 13 normally engage the respectivepoints 18, 88 and 82 but may be moved into engagement with therespective points 11, 19 and 8 I.

The keying switch 60 actuates the switch 10 each time the photocelllight beam is blanked. Energizing the solenoid 6| of switch 60 energizesthe solenoid 69 of switch 10, and solenoid 69 remains energizedmomentarily, with its energizing interval controlled by charging ofcapacitor or condenser 83 which is connected in series with the coil ofsolenoid 69 when switch arm 62 engages point 66. It will be noted thatone end of condenser 83 is connected to switch arm 62 and its other endis grounded.

The underweight solenoid unit I2 controls a switch 85 solenoid 22thereof controls a switch 86. The switch 85 includes a switch arm 81which normally contacts with fixed contact point 88. The switch 86includes a switch arm 89 which normally contacts with fixed point 90.The switch 85 controls a relay-actuated switch 9| and the switch 86controls a relay-actuated switch 92.

The switch 8| includes the solenoid 93 which actuates the ganged switcharms 94 and 95. The arm 94 is adapted to be moved into engagement with apoint 91 which is connected to a line 98 which connects with a line IOIwhich supplies power from a suitable source. The coil of the solenoid 93is connected in series in a line I02 which connects with line 98, theline I02 also connecting to contact point 88 of switch 85. The arm 95 isgrounded and is adapted to be moved into engagement with a point I05which is connected by lead I06 to the arm 81 of switch 35. Connected inparallel with the coil of the solenoid 93 is resistor I03 and condenser09 which comprise an arc quench network.

The switch 92 includes the solenoid I01 which actuates the ganged switcharms I08 and I 89. The arm I08 is adapted to be moved into engagementwith a point III which is connected by a line II2 which is alsoconnected to the power line IOI The coil of the solenoid I01 isconnected in series in a line II6 which connects with the line II2, theline I I6 also connecting to contact point of switch 06. The arm I09 isgrounded and is adapted to be moved into engagement with a point |I8which is connected to a line II9 that connects with point 19 of switch10. A lead I20 runs from line IIG to the arm 69 of switch 86. Connectedin parallel with the coil of the solenoid I01 is resistor H3 andcondenser II4 which coinprise an arc quench network.

The contact points of switch 10 are connected in the circuit as follows:point 11 is connected by lead I2I to line I06; point 18 by lead I22 toarm 94 of switch 8| point 19 by line II 9, as indicated above, to pointII3 of switch 92 and by lead I20 to arm 88 of switch 86; point 88 byline I23 to arm I08 of switch 92; point 8! by line I24 to the contactpoint I25 of a relay-actuated switch I26.

The switch I26 includes the solenoid I21, the coil of which is suppliedwith voltage through power line I9 and dropping resistance I28. Coil I21is connected to line I24 between a resistance 20 of classification andthe overweight I29 and the contact point I25. This switch also includesan arm I39 which is connected to a condenser I32. The arm I30 normallyengages contact point I33 which is connected to a grounded line I34 inwhich the coil of solenoid I35 is disposed. The solenoid I35 is part ofswitch I31 which includes an arm I38 which is connected to line I34 andwhich is adapted to be moved into engagement with contact point I39. Itwill be noted that arm I30 of switch I25 is actuated by solenoid I21 andthat arm I38 of switch I31 is actuated by solenoid I35.

The switches 55 and 83 also control the respective switches I43 and I45.Switch I43 includes a solenoid I42, the coil of which is connected inseries in line I44 which connects to lines 93 and IOI. Connected inparallel with the coil of the solenoid I42 is resistor II and condenserII1 which comprise an arc quench network. Switch I45 includes solenoidI49, the coil of which is connected in series in line I45 which connectswith line I I2 and line IIII. Connected in parallel with the coil of thesolenoid I49 is resistor I49 and condenser I4I which comprise an arcquench network. The solenoid I42 actuates the ganged arms I41 and I48 ofswitch I43 and the solenoid I49 actuates the ganged arms I59 and I5! ofswitch I45. The switch I43 and the switch I45, as will later appear,control stepping relay circuits which may correct setting of the fillerspout F and also control certain signal lights which indicate when acorrection is being made and whether the correction is due tounderweight or overweight in the packages classified.

With reference to switch I43, it will be noted that arm I41 normallyengages point I53 but may engage point I52 and that arm I43 normallyengages point I55 but may engage point I54. With reference to switchI45, it will be noted that arm I59 normally engages point I58 but mayengage point I51 and that arm I5I normally engages point I60 but mayengage point I59. The arms I41 and I45 are connected to a line It! whichreceives power from the line 53. The point I52 is connected to arm I55by lead I62, the point I54 is connected to arm I5I by lead I63, and thepoint I55 is connected to a lead I54. The point I58 is connected to alead I65, the point I59 is connected to a line I65 which has the lampI51 and resistance I58 connected in series therein, the point I99 isconnected to line I69 which has the lamp I19 and resistance I1Iconnected in series therein and connects with the line I66. The lead I64has the lamp I13 and resistance I14 connected in series therein andconnects with the line I555.

The lead I65 from point I58 of switch I45 leads to a relay switch I15.This switch includes the solenoid I which has its coil connected in abranch leading from line I55 to a line I11 which leads from line I55.Connected in parallel with the coil of the solenoid I16 is resistor I19and a condenser IIB which comprise an arc quench network. The solenoid,I13 actuates the ganged and grounded switch arms HH and I82 to move theminto contact with the respective contact points I83 and I84.

The switch I15, controls the reset coils I85 and I81. The coil I36isconnected in a line I88 which connects withv the point I34 of theswitch I15, the coil receiving current through line I89 and the line IGIwhich receives power from line 68. An arc quench network is provided bycondenser I99 and resistor I9I connected in parallel with coil I86; Thecoil I81 receives current. through 8. line' I89 in which itis connectedand the condenser I92 and resistor I93 are connected in parallel withthis coil and comprise an arc quench network. The line I89 connects witha line I94.

The reset coil I is associated with an underweight stepping switch I andthe reset coil I81 is associated with an overweight stepping switch 2I6.The stepping switch I95 includes the grounded contact arm I91 which ismoved stepby-step in a counterclockwise direction into engagement withthe successive contact points ZIII, 202, 293 and 294. Initially contactarm I91 engages the dead contact point 299. The arm I91 is swung in acounterclockwise direction by means of the solenoid I98. The coil ofsolenoid I98 is connected to line IE4. Connected in the line 255, whichconnects to line I35, in parallel with the coil of solenoid I98 iscondenser 296 and resistor 25.1 which serve as an arc quench net work.The point 20I is connected to line I94 which connects to point I83 ofrelay switch I15. The other points 202,, 203 and 294 are connected tocorresponding contact points of a selector switch section 2I0.

The selector switch section 2I9 includes the movable contact arm 2 andthe fixed contact points 2I-2, 2I3 and 2I4. The points 292, 293 and 204of stepping switch section I95 are connected directly to the points 2I2,2I3 and EM, respectively, of selector switch section 2H3. The arm 2 isconnected to a lead 2I5.

The reset coil I81 is associated with an overweight stepping switch 2 I5. The stepping switch includes the grounded contact arm 2I1 which ismoved step-by-step in a counterclockwise direction into engagement. withthe successive fixed contact points 221, 222, 223 and 224. Initiallycontact arm 2H engages the dead contact point 229. The arm 2I1 isswungin a counterclockwise direction by means of the solenoid 2 I8. The coilof solenoid2I8 is connected by lead 225 to line I65, which connects tocontact point I59 of relay switch I45. Connected in parallel with thecoil of solenoid 2 I8'is condenser 225 and resistor 221 which serve asan arc quench network. The point 22I is connected by lead 228 to lineI88 which connects point I34 of relay switch I15 to coil I86. The otherpoints 222, 223 and 224 are connected to corresponding contact points ofa selector switch section 239.

The selector switch section 239 includes the movable contact arm 23Iwhich cooperates with the contact points 232, 233 and 234. The contactpoints 222, 223. and 224 of stepping switch 2I6 are connected directlyto the respective contact points 232, 233' and 234 of stepping switch230. The arm 23I is. connected to a lead 235. The two selector switchsections 2H? and 230 form a composite selector switch with therespective contact arms 21 I1 and 23I connected for movement together.The selector switch may be set so that arm 2 will engage any of points2I2, 2I3 and 2M and simultaneously arm 23I will engage the correspondingpoint 232, 233 or 234.

As will later appear, more clearly, the setting of the selector switch,consisting of sections 2III and 239, determines the number of out oftolerance packages that must be consecutively classified before ourdevice will function to control correction of the filler spout F. Theselector switch may be set so that our device will function to controlcorrection of the filler spout F after either 2, 3 or 4 packages. orarticles are classified consecutively overweight or underweight. It willbe understood thatthe circuits of our device may be 9 varied so that itwill function to correct the filler spout F for different numbers ofconsecutive underweight or, overweight packages and that we are notlimited to the numbers 2, 3 or 4. Furthermore, the arrangement may besuch that the number of underweight packages classified. beforecorrecting the tiller will be different from the number of overweightarticles so classified. With the device shown, as will later appear,after the number of consecutive underweight articles, for which theselector switch is set, have been classifled, the reset coil I86 willfunction, to reset the arm I91 on its initial contact 200. This resetcoil will also function if a correct weight article or an overweightarticle intervenes in the series for which the selector switch is set.Similarly,

after the number of consecutive overweight articles, for which theselector switch is set, have been classified, the reset coil I81 willfunction to reset the arm 2I1 on its initial contact 220. This resetcoil will also function if a correct weight article or an underweightarticle intervenes in the series for which the selector switch is set.

The lead 2I5 from selector switch arm 2II is connected to a relay switch236 and the lead 235 from selector switch arm 23I is connected to arelay switch 231. The switch 236 includes a solenoid 238, the coil ofwhich is connected to lines 239 and "SI. A condenser 240 and associatedresistor 246 are connected in parallel with the coil of solenoid 238 andserve as an arc quench network. The solenoid 238 actuates the gangedswitch arms 24!, 242, 243, 244 and 245. Upon actuation of solenoid 238,the arm 24I is engaged with contact point 241, the arm 242 is moved awayfrom point 248, the arm 243 is engaged with point 249, the arm 244 isengaged with point 258 and the arm 245 is moved away from point 25I andinto engagement with point 252. The switch 231 includes a solenoid 253,the coil of which is connected in line I6I that is connected to a line254 and to lead 235. In parallel with the coil of solenoid 253, acondenser 255 and an associated resistor 256 are connected and serve asan arc quench network. The solenoid 253 actuates the ganged switch arms26I, 262. 263, 264 and 265. Upon actuation of solenoid 253, the arm 26Iis engaged with contact point 251, the arm 262 is moved away from point258, the arm 263 is moved into contact with point 259, the arm 284 isengaged with point 288, and the arm 285 is engaged with point 266. Thearms MI, 242, 243, and 244 are connected directly to the respective arms26I 262, 263, and 284 by the leads 261, 288, 268 and 210. Lead 261 isconnected to lead 21I which leads to a fixed contact point 212. Lead 269is connected to line I6! by lead 213. Lead 210 is connected to powerline 58. The arm 245 is connected to the line 214 which supplies powerfrom a suitable source. The arm 265 is connected by lead 215 to contactpoint 25 I. The contact points of switch 236 are connected in thecircuit as follows: point 241 by lead 216 to line 239; point 248 by lead211 through coil 289 to a line 218; point 249 by lead 219 to line I65;point 250 to one side of an underweight-indicating lamp 280; point 25Ias indicated above; and point 252 to the line 28L The contact points ofswitch 231 are connected in the circuit as follows: point 251 to theline 254; point 258 to the lead 282 which connects to line 214; point258 to the line I65; point 260 to one side of an overweight-indicatinglamp 283; and point 266 to a line 284.

The line 254 has a manual overweight correc- 10 7 tion pushbutton 285connected therein and the line 239 has a manual underweight correctionpushbutton 286 connected therein. By means of button 285, the switch 231can be actuated and by means of button 286 the switch 236 can beactuated.

The line 254 is continued on from switch 285 and is connected to acontact point 281 of a time delay relay switch 288 which also includesthe point 212. The switch 288 includes the solenoid 289 which is adaptedto actuate the switch arms 290 and 29I, which are grounded, to move theminto engagement with the respective points 212 and 281. The coil of thesolenoid 289 is connected in lead 211. The line 218 connects to line 211and to the power line 284 which connects to a suitable source of power.Connected in series in the line 211 is the coil of solenoid 294 which isa part of the time delay relay switch 295. This switch includes the arms296 and 291 adapted to be moved away from the points 298 and 299. Thearm 291 is connected to line I85, which leads from switch I31, and thepoint 299 is connected to line I66.

The various relay switches, selector switches, and stepping switches sofar described are for controlling the correction motor circuitsindicated generally at 308 and which control a correction motor 30 I.This motor is mechanically connected to the filler spout F to controlthe feed of commodity therethrough. The correction motor is of thereversible type. The motor rotates in one direction to increase theoutput of the filler spout and in a reverse direction to decrease theoutput of the filler spout.

Power connections for the circuits 308 are made through the line 211which is connected to the solenoid coil of switch 295, and through aline 302 which is a source of suitable voltage. A fuse 303 is connectedbetween line 302 and line 214. The motor 30I is controlled by anunderweight relay-actuated switch 304 and an overweight relay-actuatedswitch 305. The switch 304 includes the solenoid 306, the coil of whichis connected in line 28! which connects to the contact point 252 ofrelay switch 236. The line 28I is also connected to the line 284 towhich the line 211 connects. The solenoid 306 actuates the ganged switcharms 308, 389 and 3I0, to move arm 308 into contact with point 3, arm309 away from point 3I2 and into engagement with point 3I3, and arm 3I0into contact with point 3I4. The switch 305 includes the solenoid M5,the coil of which is connected in line 284 which runs from the source ofpower to point 266 of relay switch 231. The solenoid 3I5 actuates theganged switch arms SIS and 3!! to move arm 3I8 into contact with point3I8 and to move arm 3I1 into contact with point 3I9. The arms 388 and3I0 of switch 384 are connected to line 302 and the arm 389 thereof isconnected to line 284. The points 3H and 3I2 of this switch areconnected directly to one side of armature sum of the motor 30I whilethe point 3I3 is connected directly to the other side of the armatureand to the arm 3I6 of switch 385. The point 3I4 is connected by lead 32Ito line 211. The arm 3I1 of switch 305 is connected directly to a lead320 as is the point 3I8 of such switch and the lead 320 connects to line382. The point 3I9 is connected by lead 322 to lead 32I. The coil 30Ibof motor 38I is connected in line 211 in series with coils 294 and 289.

-With reference to both Figures 1 and 2, as previously indicated, oursystem will correct the feed of the filling spout Fwhenever-a predetermined number of packages or articles A are consecutively classifiedunderweight or overweight byour device. The device which we'haveillustrated will function to classify 2, 3 or 4 packages introduce aseries" of consecutive input voltages due to underweight or a seriesof'oonsecutive input voltages due to overweight, the number of eachseries depending upon the setting of the selector switch. Furthermore,as previously indicated, the input voltage from the discriminatorcircuit must be of proper polarity and of sufficient value to actuateeither underweight relay switch 85 oroverweight relay switch 86', due tothe discriminator voltage overcoming the bias voltage on tubes I3 and IIwhich is determined by the setting of movable contact 26 or the settingof movable contact 30.

The photocell circuit 40, as previously indicated, is actuated by eachsuccessive package A moving off the weight-checking section P, whichserves to actuate the keying switch 60, by blanking the photocell 4|.actuates the switch I0. Actuation of switches Bi) and I occurs for eachweighed package. Switch Ill momentarily completes circuit to switches9I' and I43; and to switches 92andI45; provided the weight of a packageA is such as'to cause switches 85 and 86 to deenergize or close, asindicated. If the package is underweight; switches 85' and 86 are bothenergized oropened; thus, switches BI and I43 are deenergized'andalsoswitches 92 and Hi5 are deenergized. If the'package is correct weight,switch 85 is deenergized and switch 86 is energized; thus switches 9|and I43- are energized and switches 92 and I45 are deener gized; If thepackage is overweight, switches 85' and 86 are deenergized thus,switches 9! and M3 and 92'and' I45 are energized. Thelight beam of thephotocell M is located in such a manner that the package A will haveprogressed all the way across the weighing conveyor section P' tointerrupt the light beam just before the'package' leaves such conveyorsection; This permits the lever or beam B to reach a position-ofbalance, determined by the weight of the package, and at that instant,as indicated above, switches BI and I43 and 92 and M, either energize ordeenergize, depending on switches 85 and 86. The effect is to: samplethe discriminator voltage and classify the. commodity at the instant thelight beam-is interrupted. The relay switch 60 is controlled by thephotocell amplifier'tube 42'andis energized during the interval in whichthe light beam is blanked. As indicated above, relay switch 10'energizes simultaneouslywith' switch 68', but remains energized'onlymomentarily, with its energizing interval controlled by charging of thecapacitor 83 which is in series with the coil of solenoid 69 of switchIII when arm 62 of' switch 68 is in contact with point 66. The relayswitch 10, when actuated byan underweight package, provides ground forthe relay switches SI and Actuation of switch 60'" I43 throughthecontact arm 6'9 and point I'l of switchlll; or the switchI0,when-actuatedby'an" overweightpackage, provides ground for the relay;

switches 92 and Miithrough the contact arm I2 andipoint I9=of switchIll.-

The relay switch I31 operates only after the relay switch I26 hasdropped out at theend-of the classifying interval.

through contact arm I3 and point SI of switch I0.

During this period, capacitor I32 15' chargedand.

solenoid I35, causes'the armi I38of switch I37 to:

engage point I39 forafixed interval and inserts a time delay between thesetting upof the classificationthrough circuit I2iand. the operating oflunderweight stepping switch: I96 or overweight stepping switch 2l 5.

As indicated above, switch I0 provides a ground" for switches BI andH13, which either'energizeor deenergize, depending on the position oftheecontact arm 81 of-classification relay switch For a correct weightarticle, the relay switch 85 is deenergized or remains: deenergized, andground is provided for relay switch 9I- through contact arm's?ancl'point 83 of switch 85. When switch I9- is operated, it is onlymomentarily energized and supplies ground through its contact arm- TIand. point 11 to the coil of the solenoid 93' of switch 9i. SwitchSI andswitch I lS- then ener-- gize and a secondary ground is provided thecoils of solenoid 93 of switch SI and of solenoid I52 of switch: I43through the contact arm 94 and point 9-? of switch 9|; Contact armandpoint I05 of switch 9I also provide a ground to the: coil of solenoid93, whichis in series withthe coil.

of solenoid I42 of switch I43, while the arm H of switch 10'' iscompleting its excursion" from point I! to point I8. When switch I0returns toits deenergizedv position, there is also anothergroundprovided throughits arin'II andpoint'IB- to the coil ofthe'solen'oid' 93through contact arm 94 andpoint 91 of switch 91. Atthe'completion" of. the classifying interval, the scale returns to:

underweight position. Switch-SI remains-energized through its arm 94'contacting point 91. Switches 9I and I43 remain in this energizedcondition until a succeeding package of a different weightclassification crosses the scale and operates the switches 69 and illcontrolled by the photocell unit 40. I45 operate in a similar manner foran overweight package. The main ground: for switch 92 and switch I45 isprovided through arm I2 and point 59 of switch I0.

The stepping relay switches I96- and 2I6 will function as-follows:

An underweight article will momentarily close a circuit: to the steppingswitch I96 which will move the arm I9'I'to the number one'position inengagement with. contact point 2III. This provides a ground for thereset coil I81 through: point 20I and arm I91, causing the stepping.

switch 2I6 to reset to the zero position with contact arm 2 I'I movingto point 220. A second underweight package will cause the arm I91 ofswitch I96 to advance to the number two posi'- tion in contact withpoint 202. Thus, two underweight packages", with the-selector switch2'I0 in the number two" position, energizes the relay When. relayswitchv 'IIl energizes momentarily, it actuates' switch I28 Dis- Relayswitches 92 and switch 236, which locks in through contact arm 24I andpoint 241 of switch 236. Energizing of switch 236 opens a voltage supplyto the coil of solenoid 289 of time delay relay switch 288, whichcontrols the interval the correction motor 30I drives. Arms 290 and 29Iof switch 288 engage the respective contact points 212 and 281 whilecoil 289 is energized. When coil 289 is deenergized, the time cyclestarts and arms 290 and 29I break contact with points 212 and 281 uponcompletion of the time cycle, thus causing relay switch 236 todeenergize and voltage is once more supplied to the coil of the timedelay relay switch 286, through contact arm 242 and point 248 of switch236, thus closing contact arms 290 and 29! of switch 288. Ground isprovided to arm 24I of switch 236, but since switch 236 is deenergizedat this time there is no lock-in circuit provided through arm 24I sinceit is spaced from point 241. At the instant the switch 236 energizes, acircuit is completed through its con tact arm 243 and point 249 to resetcoils I86 and I81, respectively, through contact points I83 and I84 ofauxiliary switch I15, resetting the stepping relay circuits for asucceeding correction cycle. The lamp 280 is lit through contact arm 244and point 250 of switch 236, each time such switch is energized, forvisually indicating an underweight correction.

A correct weight article will not cause completion of a circuit tostepping switch I96. Relay switch 85, as previously indicated, isdeenergized or remains deenergized for a correct weight package and,therefore, contact arm 81 thereof is closed against point 88, whichenergizes relay switches 9! and I43. Energizing of switch I43 moves armI48 thereof away from point I55, thus preventing current from reachingthe coil of stepping switch I96. Relay switch 236 is, consequently, notengaged and ground remains on the arm 24I of switch 236 through thecontact arm 290 of time delay relay 288. Contact arm MI is out ofengagement with point 241 and, therefore, no ground is provided for therelay coil of switch 236. For a correct weight article, the relay switchI is energized to return stepping switch I96 or 2 I 6 to normal or zeroposition, provided either stepping switch has advanced previously. Thisis accomplished by supplying current through contact arm I41 and pointI52 of switch I43 and contact arm I50 and point I58 of switch I45through the relay coil of switch I15 and thus resets the steppingswitches I96 and H6. Time delay relay switch 288 does not operate unlessa correction is made because power to the coil of this relay is providedthrough contact arm 242 and point 248 of switch 236.

For an overweight article, assuming selector switch 230 is set for twoconsecutive overweight articles, a circuit is completed momentarily tostepping switch 2I6 and the arm 2I1 thereof is moved into contact withthe first point 22I which results in energizing the reset coil I86through the arm 2I1 and point 22 I. A second overweight article willactuate the stepping switch 2I6 to cause its arm 2I1 to move intoengagement with the second point 222. This will result in relay switch231 being energized and locked in through its contact arm 26! and point251 and contact arm 290 of time delay relay 288 which will be contactingthe respective points 212 and 281 at this time. When switch 231 isenergized, contact arm 262 thereof swings away from point 258 andthereby power is removed from the coil of time delay relay 288. Whenswitch 231 is energized,

it supplies power through its arm 263 and point 259 to energize therelay switch I15 thus resetting stepping switches I96 and 2I6. Ground isprovided by switch I15 for stepping relay resetting switch coils I86 andI81 through its contact arm I8I and point I84 and through its contactarm I82 and point I83, respectively. Time delay relay 288 controls thetime interval during which the correction motor 30I drives. At the endof the predetermined time interval, contact arms 290 and 29I of relay288 will open, removing ground from the coil of relay switch 231, whichthen will deenergize. Lamp 263 is illuminated by engagement of contactarm 264 and point 260 of switch 231 to provide a visual indication of anoverweight correction.

The motor correction relay circuits will function as follows:

The underweight correction relay switch 304 is energized through theengagement of contact arm 245 with point 252 of the underweight controlswitch 236. The overweight correction relay switch 305 is energizedthrough the engagement of contact arm 265 with point 266 of overweightcontrol switch 231. The time interval during which either of theseswitches 304 or 305 remains energized is controlled by the time delayrelay 288 which controls the coils of switches 236 and 231 and throughcontacts 245 and 252 of switch 236 or through contacts 265 and 266 ofswitch 231, depending on the type of correction to be made, bycontrolling the energized interval for switch 236 or 231. Therefore, thetime delay relay 288 indirectly controls the time interval during whichmotor correction relay switches 304 and 305 will be energized. When theswitch 304 is energized, it causes the correction motor 30I to increasethe output of the filling spout F. At the same instant, the time delayrelay 295 is energized through contact arm 3I0 engaging point 3I4 ofswitch 304. Contact arm 291 of relay 295 is swung away from point 299thereof and this serves to prevent advancing of the stepping switchesI96 and 2I6, since the circuits thereto are broken. Preventing thestepping switches from operating, prevents the weightchecking machine I0from functioning with our device to classify succeeding packages, whichare on the conveyor line between the filler spout F and the scale, for apredetermined time interval. At the end of such time interval, arm 201swings again into engagement with point 298 which results in theresumption of classifying of packages which are filled after correctionhas been made to the filler spout F. The overweight correction motorswitch 305 operates in the same manner but when energized causes thecorrection motor to reduce the output of the filler spout F. Time delayrelay 205 is controlled by contacts 3I1 and 3I9 of relay switch 305 andoperates in the same manner as for underweight correction. Relay switch305 is controlled by relay switch 231 through its contacts 265 and 266in the same manner that switch 236 controls switch 304.

The correction motor 30I can be actuated manually, if desired. Pushingthe underweight correction button 286 provides ground to the coil ofswitch 236 or pushing the overweight correction button 285 providesground to the coil of switch 231, both being provided through thecontact point 281 and arm 29I of time delay relay 288. If eitherpushbutton is depressed during the time the correction motor 30I isdriving, nothing will happen until the relay 288 has completed its timecycle and arm 29'! has contacted point 281.

The lamps E61, ill) and H3 are provided to indicate the weight categoryof each package or article crossing the scale, that is, overweight,correct weight, or underweight. For an underweight package or article,the lamp H3 is controlled by contacts M8 and 155 of switch 143. Contacts[48 and i5 1 of switch its and contacts Nil and Hill of switch i 35control lamp illl for a correct weight package or article. Overweightlamp IE7 is controlled by contacts hi3 and l54 of switch Hi3 and arm I5!and contact hi9 of switch M5. These lights thus provide visualindication of the classification of each package or article.

It will be apparent from the above description that our system willclassify successive packages on a weight-checking machine and willcontrol a dispenser in accordance with the classification of a series ofsuccessive packages as overweight or underweight to obtain correctweight in succeeding packages filled by the dispenser. However, asindicated previously, our system is not limited to the classification ofarticles according to weight but may be used in classifying articlesaccording to other characteristics.

Having thus described our invention, what We claim is:

i. In combination with means for checking a series of success vearticles in regard to a meas urable physical characteristic thereofwhich may vary and including electronic means for creating an outputvoltage that varies in accordance with the variation in such physicalcharacteristic of successive articles; electronic control meansconnected to the first electronic means for receiving the output voltagetherefrom as an input voltage, said means including a control circuitactuated by first electronic means only when said characteristic variesin a preselected manner in a series of consecutive articles checked bysaid checking means, and keying means connected to said control circuitand actuated by each successive article to permit the control circuit tosample for an instant any output voltage from the first electronic meanscreated by the particular article actuating said keying means.

2. In combination with a device for checking a series of successivearticles in regard to a measurable physical characteristic thereof whichmay vary above or below a selected norm and including electronic meansfor creating an output voltage that varies in accordance with thevariation in such physical characteristic from the norm of successivearticles; a classifying and controlling circuit connected to said devicefor receiving the output voltage therefrom as an input voltage, saidcircuit including a classifying unit for classifying the input voltageon the basis of whether the article being checked by said devicecorresponds to the norm or is above or below it, and a control unitconnected to the classification unit, said control unit includingcontrol means and means connected in said classifying and controllingcircuit for actuating said control means only upon the classification ofconsecutive input voltages in a predetermined order, a keying switchconnected to said classifying circuit, and means actuated by eachsuccessive article for operating said keying switch to permit theclassifying circuit to receive any output voltage from said electronic16 means created by the particular article actuating said keying switch.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the classifying unit is providedwith an adjustable tolerance control which can be set so that an inputvoltage must have a selected value before it will be classified.

4. The combination of claim 3 including indicating circuits connected tosaid classification unit for indicating the classification of eachsuccessive article.

5. The combination of claim 4 including indicating circuits connected tosaid control unit for indicating when it is functioning.

6. The combination of claim 2 wherein said control unit includes meansfor varying the order.

'7. In combination with a Weight-checking device for checking a seriesof successive articles in regard to variation of their weight from aselected standard and including electronic means for creating an outputvoltage in accordance with the weight of successive packages; aclassifying and controlling circuit connected to said device forreceiving the output voltage therefrom as an input voltage, said circuitincluding a classifying unit for classifying the input voltage on thebasis of whether the article being checked by said device isunderweight, correct Weight, or overweight, and a control unit connectedto the classification unit, said control unit including control meansand means connected in said classifying and controlling circuit foractuating said control means only upon the classification of consecutiveinput voltages in a predetermined order, a keying switch connected tosaid classifying circuit, and means actuated by each successive articlefor operating said keying switch to permit the classifying circuit toreceive any output voltage from said electronic means created by theparticular article actuating said keying switch.

8. The combination of claim '7 wherein the classification unit includesadjustable tolerance controls.

9. The combination of claim 8 including indicating circuits connected tothe classification unit for indicating the classification of thearticles being checked.

10. The combination of claim 9 including indicating circuits connectedto said control unit for indicating when it is functioning.

11. In combination with a weight-checking device for checking a seriesof successive packages in regard to variation of their weight from aselected standard and including electronic means for creating an outputvoltage in accordance with the weight of successive packages; a fillerfor filling packages prior to checking and means for supplying thepackages to said checking device; a classifying and controlling circuitconnected to said device for receiving the output voltage therefrom asan input voltage, said circuit including a classifying unit forclassifying the input voltage on the basis of whether the package beingchecked by said device is underweight, correct weight, or overweight,and a control unit connected to the classification unit for receivingthe voltage therefrom, said control unit including control meansconnected to said filler and means connected in said classifying andcontrolling circuit for actuating said control means only upon theclassification of a selected number of consecutive packages beingchecked as overweight or underweight so as to correct said 'filler toobtain succeeding packages of correct weight.

12. The combination of claim 11 wherein the weight-checking deviceincludes means for removing the checked articles therefrom, a switch forcontrolling sampling of the output voltage from said checking device bysaid circuit, and means for actuating said switch each time a packageleaves said checking device.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein said last-named means comprisesa. photocell circuit which is associated with the checking device sothat the cell thereof is blanked as each checked article leaves thechecking device.

14. The combination of claim 11 wherein the weight-checking deviceincludes means for removing the checked articles therefrom, a switch forcontrolling sampling of the output voltage from said checking device bysaid circuit, means for actuating the switch each time a package leavessaid checking machine, and said classification unit including adjustabletolerance controls.

15. The combination of claim 14 including indicating circuits connectedto the classification unit for indicating the classification of thearticles being checked.

16. The combination of claim 15 wherein said control means for thefiller includes a reversible electric motor and control circuitstherefor, and indicating circuits connected to said control unit forindicating whether the motor is functioning to correct overweight orunderweight conditions.

17. The combination of claim 16 wherein the' control means connected tothe filler includes means which may be selectively adjusted to vary thenumber of consecutively classified packages required to cause thecontrol unit to correct the filler.

18. In combination with a device for checking a series of successivearticles in regard to a measurable physical characteristic thereof whichmay vary above or below a selected norm and including electronic meansfor creating an output voltage if such characteristic thereof does varyfrom the norm; a classifying unit connected to said device for receivingthe output voltage therefrom as an input voltage, said unit includingelectronic means for classifying the input voltage on the basis ofwhether the input voltage thereto is created by an article having acharacteristic which corresponds to the norm or varies above or belowthe norm, a control unit connected to said classifying unit, saidcontrol unit being actuated by a pair of actuating switches selectivelyactuated by voltage classified by said classifying unit and also by alock-in switch, a keying switch actuated by each successive articlechecked by said checking device and actuating said lock-in switch, saidcontrol unit also including a stepping switch controlled by each of saidactuating switches, and means controlled by each of said steppingswitches.

19. The combination of claim 18 including means for moving the articlesto and from said checking device, a photocell relay unit associated withthe means for moving the articles from said device and so arranged thatthe light beam thereof is broken as each successively checked articlemoves from said device, said keying switch being controlled by saidphotocell relay unit and actuated only upon a predetermined stepping ofeach stepping switch in accordance with a preselected variation ofsuccessive articles in regard to said physical characteristic.

20. The combination of claim 18 wherein said electronic means of theclassifying unit includes adjustable tolerance controls for selectingthe value of voltage required to actuate said control unit actuatingswitches.

21. The combination of claim 18 wherein said control unit includes aselector switch for selecting the number of steps required of eachstepping switch before it controls said last-named means.

22. The combination of claim 21 wherein reset means is provided forresetting the stepping switches.

23. In combination with a device for checking a series of successivearticles in regard to a measurable physical characteristic thereof whichmay vary above or below a selected norm including means for conductingthe articles thereto and removing them therefrom and electronic meansfor creating an output voltage if such characteristic of an articlechecked does vary from the norm; a classifying unit connected to saiddevice for receiving the output voltage therefrom as an input voltage,said unit including electronic means for classifying the input voltageon the basis of whether the input voltage thereto is created by anarticle having a characteristic which corresponds to the norm or variesabove or below the norm, said electronic means including adjustabletolerance controls for varying the amount of voltage required toselectively operate either of a pair of solenoids connected to saidmeans, a control unit including a pair of actuating switches actuated bysaid solenoids and a lock in switch, a keying relay switch, means associated with the means for removing the articles from the checking devicefor actuating the keying switch and actuated by each successive articlechecked, said control unit also including a relayactuated steppingswitch controlled by each of said actuating switches, means controlledby each of said stepping switches, a selector switch connected to saidstepping switches for selecting the number of steps required of eachstepping switch before it controls said last-named means, and resetcoils connected with each of said stepping switches for resetting eachswitch.

24. The combination of claim 23 wherein the control unit includes aseries of relay switches connected to each stepping switch, each of saidseries being controlled by said lock-in switch and one of said actuatingswitches.

25. The combination of claim 24 including an additional relay switchactuated by said lock-in switch, a time delay relay in the circuit withand actuated by said additional switch, said time delay relay beingconnected in the circuit with said stepping switches to preventadvancing of said stepping switches for a predetermined interval afteractuation of said additional relay switch.

26. The combination of claim 25 including an additional relay switchconnected in the circuit with each of said stepping switches forcontrolling said means controlled by the stepping switches, theadditional relay switches also controlling said reset coils of thestepping switches, and an additional time-delay relay connected in thecircuit with said additional relay switches for controlling saidswitches.

27. The combination of claim 26 wherein said last-named means comprisesan electric motor, and circuits to said motor controlled by each of saidadditional relay switches actuated by the stepping switches.

28. The combination of claim 27 wherein in- 'd'icating circuits are alsoconnected to said motor circuits.

29. The combination of claim 28 wherein the means for actuating saidkeying switch energizes it only momentarily.

30. The combination of claim 29 wherein the additional relay switchactuated by the lock-in switch is provided with means for energizing itonly momentarily.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 1,089,680 Sloan Mar. 10, 1914 2,007,371 Hopkins July 9, 19352,197,823 Young Apr. 23, 1940 Number Number Name Date Flanagan June 29,1943 Sunstein July 26, 1947 Callender July 27, 1948 Spangenberg Oct.'11, 1949 Palmer Apr. 11, 1950 Schellman 1 Apr. 11, 1950 RoggensteinJune 27, 1950 Siltamaki Dec. 19, 1950 Clardy Aug. 21, 1951 FOREIGNPATENTS Country Date Great Britain 1948 Great Britain 1948

